Empty Nesters

At the end of this week we will be taking our baby off to college and we’ll be returning home as Empty Nesters! I truly didn’t think I would have a hard time with this. We’ve had two others leave the nest so we have some experience but the truth is as the day draws nearer, my heart is breaking. Emma was a surprise baby we weren’t really expecting. Finding out your pregnant at 42 years old can be a shocking experience. Truth be told she has been a blessing! She’s kept us young and on our toes. When she wants to be, she can be the sweetest kid with a heart of gold. She likes hanging out with us and still snuggling with me at 18 years old.

Because of our recent flooding (read about it here) and the logistics of preparing for Emma to go of to college has kept me busy. The logistics of making purchases to outfit a dorm and getting everything home in a row-boat was daunting. There wasn’t much time to dwell on the inevitable. But the water has receded, the sandbags have been removed and our home is back in order. The college check list is also complete! Now its just a count down. Four more sleeps and we will be taking her 6 hours away to Iowa!

The decorator in me is trying to keep my mind focused on things like; what can I do with that extra bedroom to maximize some the storage dilemma’s of a small house? I forsee the closet being repurposed for seasonal coats. I’m also considering moving my desk that’s is currently in our master bedroom to her room. Since it will just be Handy and me, I’m thinking that getting my desk out of our room might make things a little more “romantic”. I can also put it under a window in her room and that would be a bonus.

What can I do with this room?

Handy and I have talked about making a point to plan date nights and take the time to focus on us for the first time in years! While I will miss her like crazy the truth is I’m so excited for Emma to start her new adventure. She’s been ready for college since she was 12. High School wasn’t an enjoyable experience for her so she really deserves a fresh start. Time to write my words of wisdom letter that I’ll tuck under her pillow before we leave to come home. I imagine that there will be some ugly crying on Friday night!